2018 NBA Power Rankings: The Warriors win the offseason; Lakers are back

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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4. Oklahoma City Thunder

With Carmelo Anthony out of the way and with a healthy Andre Roberson on board, the hope is that the Oklahoma City Thunder will finally be the team many expected them to be last season. Even though they disappointed by falling to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs last season, I’m once again buying stock on this team.

Paul George re-signed to a long-term deal, and Russell Westbrook is in for the long haul too. They also added Nerlens Noel via free agency, who will help with this team’s depth in the frontcourt. The Thunder will be better this season; we just don’t know by how much.

Other than the Rockets, there might not be another team in the conference equipped to go toe-to-toe with the Warriors.